Trip to Holland

For my birthday last September, Owen (and Daddy) made me the following card, which of course, made me cry (the happy kind):

From O So September 2011

So it was no surprise to hear that Owen was working on another card for Mother's Day.  Come MD morning, he wasn't finished with it, so Daddy and Owen were working on it while I was doing various things around the house.  I could hear a few of the things they were writing on it, so I was wondering if I was going to get emotional when I read it.  I think I held myself together until I read # 6:

If you can't read it, #6 says "Appreciating our trip to Holland".  I totally lost it at that point. 

If you're wondering how you missed my post and pictures from our trip to Holland, don't worry, we haven't gone anywhere.  Keith is referring to this story, which a friend of ours sent us when Sophie received her diagnosis in August. First, I was surprised that Keith remembered the story.  Second, I appreciated the fact that he noticed my acceptance of the revised "trip" that our lives have become. 

And I have come to a greater acceptance.  When I first read the Holland story I didn't think it was the best analogy.  I think my biggest disagreement with it was that it didn't really admit that taking care of a special needs child was not just different - it was harder.  There isn't just developmental issues to deal with; there are medical issues that can cause suffering.  We have been incredibly lucky that Sophie has been healthy and I thank God often for that.  But I now realize that along with the difficulties there are blessings.  You appreciate the little things.  You learn things you would never have learned.  As the story mentions, you meet new people you would never have met otherwise.  On Monday Sophie and I went to a BBQ at our church for families with special needs children.  I was struck by how different some of the people in the group are.  I wasn't sure if I would fit in.  But then you start talking and you realize how much you have in common.  There is an instant bond when you meet someone with shared experiences.  I feel that bond with all mothers/parents to a certain extent, but especially with those with special needs kids. 

Did I say that I held it together until #6?  Ok, I probably lied.  #4 probably holds the most value for me, because it is the truest of them all. 

Happy late Mother's Day!

I've been remiss in posting lately, so here are some pictures to get you (almost) caught up.